Colts linebacker Josh McNary apologized for his hit on Titans tight end Delanie Walker in last Sunday’s game that led to an unnecessary roughness penalty and briefly forced Walker out of the game.
McNary’s hit negated an interception by Patrick Robinson. Walker was running a pass route when he was blindsided by McNary.
McNary wrote on his Instagram account that he believed the ball had been thrown to Walker and tried to let up when he realized that Walker wasn’t the intended receiver on the play.
“Almost simultaneously, I struck him on his pads to reroute him not knowing the ball had just been released,” McNary wrote. “Unfortunately he was hurt on the play and our team suffered the untimely penalty. It is never my intention to hurt a fellow player, as I pray for an injury free contest before every game. Not everyone can understand, but it is a fast, physical sport and I am very much a work in progress.”
Walker was helped off the field but returned later in the series to catch a touchdown pass.
Colts Coach Chuck Pagano told reporters Monday that he didn’t believe McNary made an intentionally dirty play.
“We don’t have cheap-shot guys on this football team,” Pagano said. “That’s not Josh. That’s not any of our guys. There was no malice there. It was a bang-bang play, [McNary] was reacting to what he thought he saw and it was unfortunate.”
Titans Coach Mike Mularkey said he thought the play was “unnecessary,” and it’s likely the league office will agree. McNary will find out by the end of the week if he’ll be fined for the hit.
